What is the hiring manager looking for?

The hiring manager wants to know about your ability to handle multiple stakeholders and competing demands. They want to see that you can prioritize tasks, communicate effectively, and work under pressure. They also want to see that you can handle conflict and resolve issues in a professional manner.

How to structure your answer

When answering this question, start by describing the project and the different stakeholders involved. Then, explain how you identified and prioritized the competing demands. Next, describe the strategies you used to manage the stakeholders and keep them all informed. Finally, discuss the outcome of the project and how you were able to meet the needs of all the stakeholders.

Tips to answer this interview question

Tips:
* Be specific and provide concrete examples.
* Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer.
* Quantify your results whenever possible.
* Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the interviewer may not understand.

Things to avoid:
* Don’t ramble on. Keep your answer concise and to the point.
* Don’t be negative or complain about the stakeholders.
* Don’t try to take all the credit for the project’s success.

Example interview answers to this question

Strong Sample Answer:

“In my previous role as a project manager, I was responsible for leading a cross-functional team to develop a new product. The project had a tight deadline and a limited budget. I also had to work with a variety of stakeholders, including engineers, marketing, and sales.

To manage the competing demands, I started by creating a detailed project plan and communicating it to all of the stakeholders. I also held regular meetings to keep everyone updated on the project’s progress. When conflicts arose, I worked to find a compromise that met the needs of all parties involved.

As a result of my efforts, the project was completed on time and within budget. The product was also a commercial success, and it helped the company to increase its market share.

This answer is strong because it is specific, concise, and it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle multiple stakeholders and competing demands. The candidate also uses the STAR method to structure their answer, which makes it easy for the interviewer to follow.

Strong Sample Answer:

“In my previous role as a marketing manager, I was responsible for developing and executing a marketing campaign for a new product. The project was complex and had a lot of moving parts. I had to work with a variety of stakeholders, including the marketing team, the sales team, and the product development team.

To manage the competing demands, I started by creating a detailed project plan. I also held regular meetings to keep everyone updated on the project’s progress. I also used a variety of communication tools to keep the stakeholders informed, including email, Slack, and project management software.

As a result of my efforts, the marketing campaign was a success. The product was launched on time and within budget, and it met all of the sales goals.

This answer is strong because it is specific, concise, and it demonstrates the candidate’s ability to handle multiple stakeholders and competing demands. The candidate also uses the STAR method to structure their answer, which makes it easy for the interviewer to follow.